Prolapsed Uterus

Prolapsed uterus is the descent of the uterus from its normal position in the vagina. A prolapsed uterus refers to a collapsed uterus, or descended uterus, or other change in the position of the uterus in relation to the surrounding structures within the pelvis. The pelvis contains many soft tissue structures vital to normal body functions, supported primarily by the diaphragms, layers of muscles, fibrous coverings called fasciae, and various ligaments and tendons. These soft tissues of the pelvis derive their ultimate support from the bony pelvis.

Uterine prolapse produces a sensation of pelvic discomfort, aggravated in the upright position. Prolapsed uterus is also known as pelvic relaxation or pelvic floor hernia. This condition occurs more commonly in older women who have had multiple vaginal births; Prolapsed uterus is seen also in younger women recently delivered. Caucasian women are more commonly affected by uterine prolapse; African Americans and Asians are affected less often with prolapsed uterus.

Types of Prolapsed Uterus:

A prolapsed uterus or uterine prolapse may be of three types, depending on the severity:

►First degree prolpase occurs when the uterus sags downward into the upper vagina.

►Second degree prolapse occurs when the cervix is at or near the outside of the vagina.

►Third degree proplase (sometimes referred to as total prolapse) occurs when the entire uterus extends outside the vagina.

Primary Causes Of Prolapsed Uterus:

►Childbirth: May Injure supportive structures in the pelvis.

►Menopause: Causes estrogen levels to decrease. This drop in estrogen can cause the weakening of pelvic tissues.

►Conditions leading to increased pressure in the abdomen such as chronic cough (with Bronchitis and Asthma), Straining (with Constipation), Pelvic Tumors (Rare), or an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.

►Obesity

►Normal Aging

►Radical surgery in the pelvic area leading to loss of external support

Symptoms Of Prolapsed Uterus:

►A Bulge in your vagina that ranges in size from quite small to very large.

►Discomfort or pressure in your pelvis or vagina.

►Difficulty having a bowel movement.

►Trouble emptying your bladder.

►Pain while intercourse.

►Lower back pain.

►Increased discomfort with long periods of standing.

►Improved discomfort with lying down.

►A feeling as if "Sitting On A Small Ball."

Other Conditions associated with prolapsed uterus:

►Cystocele:A Herniation (or Bulging) of the upper front vaginal wall where a part of bladder bulges into the vagina, which may lead to urinary frequency, urgency, retention, and Incontinence.

►Enterocele:The Herniation of the upper rear vaginal wall where a small bowel portion bulges into the vagina. Standing leads to a pulling sensation and backache and is relieved when you lie down.

►Rectocele:The Herniation of the lower rear vaginal wall where the rectum bulges into the vagina. This makes bowel movements difficult to the point that you may need to push on the inside of your vagina to Empty your bowel.

How Is Prolapsed Uterus Diagnosed?

A pelvic examination with the woman bearing down will show how far the uterus comes down. Uterine prolapse is mild when the cervix drops into the lower part of the vagina. Uterine prolapse is moderate when the cervix drops out of the vaginal opening.The pelvic exam may show protrusion of the bladder in and front wall of the vagina (cystocele) or rectum and back wall of the vagina (rectocele) into the vaginal space. The ovaries and bladder may also be positioned lower in the pelvis than usual.

Specific conditions, such as ureteral obstruction due to complete prolapse, may need an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) or renal sonography. Dye is injected into your vein, and a series of x-rays are taken to view its progress through your bladder.Ultrasound may be used to rule out other pelvic problems. In this test, a wand is passed over your abdomen or inserted into your vagina to create images with sound waves.

Prevention Of Prolapsed Uterus:

►One Can strengthen the pelvic muscles by performing kegel exercises to avoid prolapsed uterus. It can be done by tightening pelvic muscles, as if trying to stop the flow of urine. This exercise strengthens the Pelvic Diaphragm and provides some support.

►Maintain a Healthy Weight

►Avoid beverages that contain caffeine they can increase the urge to Urinate.

►Do not lift heavy objects they can put pressure on your pelvic muscles.